At Active Essex, we believe that there is an activity out there for all abilities, which can be started at any stage of life. As experts have found, we are living longer, and it is predicted that over the next three decades the number of older people worldwide is projected to double. This highlights the importance that physical activity can have on our physical and mental wellbeing as we grow older.
There are numerous health benefits that derive from being active, such as helping to reduce social isolation by encouraging older individuals to integrate within their community, whether that be through local clubs or out walking in their area. In addition, daily movement can help provide support to those suffering with long term health conditions.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons is ‘the resilience of older persons in a changing world’. We caught up with Caroline Rassell, who is both a member of Active Essex’s Board and Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, to find out why physical activity is so important no matter what your age or ability.
Caroline’s work with the Active Essex Board has helped develop support for people living with existing health conditions, allowing them to live their best lives through being active and helping to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Caroline shared; “Being active is good for everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing, whatever your age. We know that for people who have Parkinson’s, being active is fundamental to helping them manage their condition and allowing them to create a feeling of hope and control.
Individuals who are living with Parkinson’s find that by being active, helps them to become more confident and able to carry on with day-to-day tasks. Physical activity sessions especially designed for those living with Parkinson’s aim to empower participants to get stronger and also realise that they are not alone in this journey.
I am proud that our community finds their active in many ways from dance (including ballet), to walking football and boxing. Two of my trustees, both who have had Parkinson’s for over 13 years recently found their active by zooming down Velocity 2 in North Wales, the fastest zip line in the world! While this might not be everyone’s idea of fun it certainly shows that age is no boundary to being active.”
So, if you’re reading this blog, take it as a sign and start some movement today in whatever way that suits your lifestyle. Have fun with it, and you will soon start to see and the feel the benefits!
If you are looking for more ways to get active later in life, then visit our website for more information, tips, and guidance:
To view our Active with Parkinson’s Uttlesford video, click here.
